In an earlier post, I gave TEN names of girls who I have the strong belief will be on the 2009 WYC team heading to Cook Islands. I did not include Damisha Croney because at that time,I was unsure if her timidity would be effective in such a tournament. This past week the former FOUNDATIONER has proven me wrong.
I am also going to take a gamble and TRY to justify why the there is an asterix (**) next to a player.
My FINAL 12 are :
Makeba Clarke
Jahlesal Brathwaite
Shakira Springer
Janiece Clarke
Jalissa Lovell
Tonisha Rock-Yaw
Shanise Banfield
Damisha Croney
Shakira Boxill
Faye Sealy
Samantha Browne
Tyna King***
In the first international game played, the three squad members in the stand were Tyna King,Kamillah Burke and Leah Harper.These three along with Markayla Yearwood rightfully was included in the team for the second game.
In the second game, limited play was given to Leah ( for obvious reasons), Kamillah (who was playing solid ) was substituted and Tyna who was just being her usual was changed from one position to another.Markayla was unfortunately never given the opportunity to showcase her talent in any of the two games played.
Today's Daily Nation ( 25 June) carries an "interview' with the head coach of the team.In that "interview" the coach said that all 15 players were going to be given a chance to play to allow the selectors to see them again. Markayla HAS THEREFORE BEEN ELIMINATED ! Why was it possible to have her sit on the bench in uniform both nights and still not play? Was it because of the heavily strapped thigh ? If that is the answer then it is a pile of LAVATORY MATTER as she has played effectively all season with her thigh strapped.
That Leah failed to perform when she should've, also eliminated her from the 12 and it was going to come down to Kamillah and Tyna. I have also questioned the Selection Committee because I felt that if a case such as this occured, CLUB will be placed first and I may be proven right. Hence the reason I have chosen Tyna over Kamillah.
What do you readers think??
This blog has been created with the intention of raising questions about the state of netball in Barbados. Any names mentioned will be of people who are involved in the sport and all situations will be real.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
62-24
" I paying dis $5 under protest!" " Dis is an insult to people who know netball!" U tink dis is Waterford ?"
Those were some of the comments my best friend said to everyone who was within earshot of him at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium last night ( 23 June) when we went to watch the debacle that was the Barbados U-21 team as they opposed their opponents from England.
Walking into the Gymnasium we knew something STUPID was going to happen and something STUPID did.
I am not criticising the fifteen who are still vying for places on the team because they all deserve a chance,some more than others. I however believe that the ones who don't stand any chance of making that twelve ( MANAGEMENT KNOWS WHO THEY ARE) , should've been in the stands and not on the court.
The starting seven were : Leah Harper (GS), Shakira Boxill ( GA),Jalissa Lovell (WA), Shakira Springer (C),Kamillah Burke( WD),Janiece Clarke (GD) and Makeba Clarke ( GK) . Sitting in the stands were Damisha Croney,Samantha Browne and Jahlesal Brathwaite. HUH??
I am of the belief that the two scholarship winners, who are studying in England should've been on the court at the same time mainly because of the type of netball the England U-21 was playing. That they were exposed to that same level should've been reason enough for the head coach.Obviously it wasn't.
It was made abundantly clear that we were going to be tortured by a team who seemed to have lost it's way less than three minutes into the first quarter. Leah Harper and Shakira Boxill never clicked and showed limited communication, a limping Shakira Springer was , well limping......, and Jalissa Lovell never got going. It was the defensive trio who tried to keep Barbados in the game.
Even though they were outjumped, Makeba,Janiece and Kamillah played as though their lives depended on it. It was unfortunate that their teammates didn't feel this way.
The introduction of a new goal shooter-Shanise Banfield, goal keeper-Faye Sealy and others didn't make any difference as the damage had already been done, the fat lady had sang and the curtains were closed.
I choose not to write too much on the nonsense that was displayed on the court because I am sure when reading this article,it will bring back horrible memories for the players. It should be the absolute OPPOSITE for the management team.
Was it an attempt to eliminate players or just to prove to us the public that some players shouldn't be there? Was it an attempt to showcase some insane coaching decisions?
Goals for us were so few and far between that the English supporters in the Gymnasium applauded when we scored goals. Imagine that !
As my best friend also said, " A good player doesn't make a good coach!"
Those were some of the comments my best friend said to everyone who was within earshot of him at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium last night ( 23 June) when we went to watch the debacle that was the Barbados U-21 team as they opposed their opponents from England.
Walking into the Gymnasium we knew something STUPID was going to happen and something STUPID did.
I am not criticising the fifteen who are still vying for places on the team because they all deserve a chance,some more than others. I however believe that the ones who don't stand any chance of making that twelve ( MANAGEMENT KNOWS WHO THEY ARE) , should've been in the stands and not on the court.
The starting seven were : Leah Harper (GS), Shakira Boxill ( GA),Jalissa Lovell (WA), Shakira Springer (C),Kamillah Burke( WD),Janiece Clarke (GD) and Makeba Clarke ( GK) . Sitting in the stands were Damisha Croney,Samantha Browne and Jahlesal Brathwaite. HUH??
I am of the belief that the two scholarship winners, who are studying in England should've been on the court at the same time mainly because of the type of netball the England U-21 was playing. That they were exposed to that same level should've been reason enough for the head coach.Obviously it wasn't.
It was made abundantly clear that we were going to be tortured by a team who seemed to have lost it's way less than three minutes into the first quarter. Leah Harper and Shakira Boxill never clicked and showed limited communication, a limping Shakira Springer was , well limping......, and Jalissa Lovell never got going. It was the defensive trio who tried to keep Barbados in the game.
Even though they were outjumped, Makeba,Janiece and Kamillah played as though their lives depended on it. It was unfortunate that their teammates didn't feel this way.
The introduction of a new goal shooter-Shanise Banfield, goal keeper-Faye Sealy and others didn't make any difference as the damage had already been done, the fat lady had sang and the curtains were closed.
I choose not to write too much on the nonsense that was displayed on the court because I am sure when reading this article,it will bring back horrible memories for the players. It should be the absolute OPPOSITE for the management team.
Was it an attempt to eliminate players or just to prove to us the public that some players shouldn't be there? Was it an attempt to showcase some insane coaching decisions?
Goals for us were so few and far between that the English supporters in the Gymnasium applauded when we scored goals. Imagine that !
As my best friend also said, " A good player doesn't make a good coach!"
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Swan song
Which of the two members of the national senior team should be singing their swan song ?
Unlike in previous years when we had several high calibre players to challenge for a place in our national team and ultimately in the starting seven, these two players by process of elimination and a bit of "because dem belong to that club" were able to solidify themselves in the blue, gold and black.
After witnessing the game Barbados v Scotland last night ( 22nd June) it is now more obvious than before that the international playing days of these players should be at an end and they should be told so in the same vein as former national player JB.
The stated game was played at a relatively fast clip until the introduction of these two players which brought the momentum of the Barbados team to an incredible halt. When that happened we were outscored in both quarters ( second half) by a Scotland team hungry for a win.
Again I have no idea why some changes were made when we were certainly 'struggling' to hold onto the slim lead we had up to that point in time. What I do know is that when nothing is broken there's no need to fix it.
Both Laurel Browne and Lisa Puckerin were playing the level of netball required at this stage. Unfortunately there were times when they needed assistance from on the court and did not get it as much as they should.
Also the fact that Lydia"Lebron" Bishop was forced to leave the goal circle on numerous occasions proved that the attackers ( WA and GA) at that time were not getting the job done as efficiently as they should have.Without this assistance, I am almost certain that we would've scored less than the 43 goals we did.
Realistically I am not expecting any brownie points for this opinion as I am sure it will irk some people. DO I CARE ?? CERTAINLY NOT !!
Sing a swan song, right is right and wrong is wrong.
Unlike in previous years when we had several high calibre players to challenge for a place in our national team and ultimately in the starting seven, these two players by process of elimination and a bit of "because dem belong to that club" were able to solidify themselves in the blue, gold and black.
After witnessing the game Barbados v Scotland last night ( 22nd June) it is now more obvious than before that the international playing days of these players should be at an end and they should be told so in the same vein as former national player JB.
The stated game was played at a relatively fast clip until the introduction of these two players which brought the momentum of the Barbados team to an incredible halt. When that happened we were outscored in both quarters ( second half) by a Scotland team hungry for a win.
Again I have no idea why some changes were made when we were certainly 'struggling' to hold onto the slim lead we had up to that point in time. What I do know is that when nothing is broken there's no need to fix it.
Both Laurel Browne and Lisa Puckerin were playing the level of netball required at this stage. Unfortunately there were times when they needed assistance from on the court and did not get it as much as they should.
Also the fact that Lydia"Lebron" Bishop was forced to leave the goal circle on numerous occasions proved that the attackers ( WA and GA) at that time were not getting the job done as efficiently as they should have.Without this assistance, I am almost certain that we would've scored less than the 43 goals we did.
Realistically I am not expecting any brownie points for this opinion as I am sure it will irk some people. DO I CARE ?? CERTAINLY NOT !!
Sing a swan song, right is right and wrong is wrong.
Test of time
With the inclusion of the two English-based netballers the U-21 squad was supposed to be stronger.That was not the case last night ( 22 June) when the Barbados U-21 played England's U-21 team.
Surprisingly the stronger of the two, Makeba Clarke wasn't in the starting seven of the local team but her schoolmate and COW Rangers?? member Jahlesal Brathwaite was. Hmmmmm!
The starting seven was Shanise Banfield ( GS),Shakira Boxill (GA),Jalissa Lovell ( WA), Samantha Browne ( C),Jahlesal Brathwaite ( WD) Janiece Clarke ( GD) and Faye Sealy (GK).
It was satisfying that this unit was able to compete against a team with more taller and more aggressive players the way they did for the first half of the game. Shanise Banfield came to play netball and showed glimpses of her obvious talent with her trademark mid-range bombs dropping all over Wildey.However I knew we were doomed at the resumption of the third quarter.
The changes that were made were baffling not only to me but to other spectators as well. The starting GA who was becoming tired went to WA, the TIRED WA to C ,two new shooters introduced and Makeba Clarke was brought in at WD. INTERESTING!!
Personally the attack was lacking in several areas and it was obvious from the first whistle . The new WA was too slow because of fatigue and the C played as though it was Pico Tenerife all over again.
Only Makeba Clarke who was solid at WD made any impact in the second half. She tried to prevent her opponent from receiving any passes and played an "attacking defense" when there were the obvious breakdown in the center third. KUDOS MAKEBA !!
It is apparent that the Barbados U-21 team needs a "target" in the shooting circle and I think that Faye Sealy should be given the opportunity to do so. Will she fail? I don't think so!
The final result in last night's game shouldn't have been but it is what it is.
Surprisingly the stronger of the two, Makeba Clarke wasn't in the starting seven of the local team but her schoolmate and COW Rangers?? member Jahlesal Brathwaite was. Hmmmmm!
The starting seven was Shanise Banfield ( GS),Shakira Boxill (GA),Jalissa Lovell ( WA), Samantha Browne ( C),Jahlesal Brathwaite ( WD) Janiece Clarke ( GD) and Faye Sealy (GK).
It was satisfying that this unit was able to compete against a team with more taller and more aggressive players the way they did for the first half of the game. Shanise Banfield came to play netball and showed glimpses of her obvious talent with her trademark mid-range bombs dropping all over Wildey.However I knew we were doomed at the resumption of the third quarter.
The changes that were made were baffling not only to me but to other spectators as well. The starting GA who was becoming tired went to WA, the TIRED WA to C ,two new shooters introduced and Makeba Clarke was brought in at WD. INTERESTING!!
Personally the attack was lacking in several areas and it was obvious from the first whistle . The new WA was too slow because of fatigue and the C played as though it was Pico Tenerife all over again.
Only Makeba Clarke who was solid at WD made any impact in the second half. She tried to prevent her opponent from receiving any passes and played an "attacking defense" when there were the obvious breakdown in the center third. KUDOS MAKEBA !!
It is apparent that the Barbados U-21 team needs a "target" in the shooting circle and I think that Faye Sealy should be given the opportunity to do so. Will she fail? I don't think so!
The final result in last night's game shouldn't have been but it is what it is.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Interesting!!
Watching the Barbados senior team last night( 18 June) was as painful as getting root canal surgery.It confirmed what I have felt all along and that is the inability by the mid-courters on that team to distribute the ball into the shooting circle.
I am not going to make any excuse for my fave player on the team Lydia"Lebron" Bishop's underperformance, because I saw just about two minutes of the opening third. That was enough for me to know that something wasn't right. It was crazy watching the WA and C who started struggle to give proper or correct passes into the shooting circle. CRAZYYYYYY!!
It appears that the supporting cast to the goal shooters on that particular team prefer height. The introduction of Laurel Browne made the passes a little easier and even then some of them were downright silly.
The final quarter was a travesty unto itself as the introduction of a new WA brought the Barbados team to an immediate crawl. The passes to the shooting circle became less, it was an adjustment period that took longer than anticipated and there were times when it appeared as though Barbados was playing with six instead of seven. INTERESTING!!
Thankfully defender Lisa Puckerin has the athletic ability she possesses as she was able to single-handedly keep the Vincies at bay when her partner/s were more often than not kept napping.
A win is a win but the moral victory should be given to SVG who had arrived in the island the same day and scored more goals than was expected. Was it a case therefore of what they did or what Barbados didn't do??
I am not going to make any excuse for my fave player on the team Lydia"Lebron" Bishop's underperformance, because I saw just about two minutes of the opening third. That was enough for me to know that something wasn't right. It was crazy watching the WA and C who started struggle to give proper or correct passes into the shooting circle. CRAZYYYYYY!!
It appears that the supporting cast to the goal shooters on that particular team prefer height. The introduction of Laurel Browne made the passes a little easier and even then some of them were downright silly.
The final quarter was a travesty unto itself as the introduction of a new WA brought the Barbados team to an immediate crawl. The passes to the shooting circle became less, it was an adjustment period that took longer than anticipated and there were times when it appeared as though Barbados was playing with six instead of seven. INTERESTING!!
Thankfully defender Lisa Puckerin has the athletic ability she possesses as she was able to single-handedly keep the Vincies at bay when her partner/s were more often than not kept napping.
A win is a win but the moral victory should be given to SVG who had arrived in the island the same day and scored more goals than was expected. Was it a case therefore of what they did or what Barbados didn't do??
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Bajan Gems
With national pride at stake and the possibility of global ranking at risk, the Barbados Gems did what the U-21 squad had failed to do one day earlier in the first of a two test series against Scotland last night ( 16 June) at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium.
The starting seven for Barbados should've been more commanding but it was clear that the attacking third lacked cohesion and understanding of ball placement. What continues to baffle me is how after all these years and so may games played together, seeing Lydia"Lebron" Bishop appears to be the hardest thing to do for our players. I believe that if Lydia didn't have the understanding that she had to assist with the transition of the ball into HER shooting circle,we would've been in trouble due to the inefficiency of her supporting cast.
There were some similarities to the U-21s however,e.g - spacial awareness,confusion in the center third, poor passing,etc. All these errors kept Scotland in control until the second half of the game when with fresher legs and knowing what had to be done, several telling changes were made by the local coach who went straight to the jugular of Scotland. Niceeeeeeeeee!
The negatives can and hopefully will be sorted out before the second test next week. Special kudos to Laurel who should continue with what aggression she brought to the game,Chekirah S who knows what she has to do ( HINT HINT), Lisa P and of course,Lydia"Lebron"Bishop, a tower of strength with the agility of a ballerina.
Well done to all concerned.
The starting seven for Barbados should've been more commanding but it was clear that the attacking third lacked cohesion and understanding of ball placement. What continues to baffle me is how after all these years and so may games played together, seeing Lydia"Lebron" Bishop appears to be the hardest thing to do for our players. I believe that if Lydia didn't have the understanding that she had to assist with the transition of the ball into HER shooting circle,we would've been in trouble due to the inefficiency of her supporting cast.
There were some similarities to the U-21s however,e.g - spacial awareness,confusion in the center third, poor passing,etc. All these errors kept Scotland in control until the second half of the game when with fresher legs and knowing what had to be done, several telling changes were made by the local coach who went straight to the jugular of Scotland. Niceeeeeeeeee!
The negatives can and hopefully will be sorted out before the second test next week. Special kudos to Laurel who should continue with what aggression she brought to the game,Chekirah S who knows what she has to do ( HINT HINT), Lisa P and of course,Lydia"Lebron"Bishop, a tower of strength with the agility of a ballerina.
Well done to all concerned.
Croneyyyyyyyyyyyyy !!!!!!
In most sports size matters, netball being no different. What happened at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on Monday ( 15 June) that big hearts come in small packages.
Former FOUNDATION standout Damisha Croney with her gazelle like movements and fantastic footwork almost won the opening game of Netfest 2009 for the Barbados U-21 squad against Scotland. Aggressive on the center pass and accurate on the shot, Croney ( as most people call her) outscored all the other shooters used by the coach of the U-21 squad and ended the game with a remarkable 15/23. BUILT ON A FIRM FOUNDATION !!
A fellow blogger opined that SB may not be ready for international duty and while that MAY be the opinion of others that night,I'll say this. What happened is another example of umpires here in our domestic competition NOT allowing defenders to play or challenge certain players such as SB.
I think SB was unsettled because of being close-marked by not one but both defenders and that threw her off completely. She wasn't given the opportunity to release the ball as quickly as she usually does and that might've caused her added inner turmoil. She had an average of under 50% scoring 5/11.
I don't think that she understands at this point in time that she can use not only her God given talent but her size as well to her advantage in the shooting circle. SB, you need to watch Lydia"Lebron" more.
If my eyes were not deceiving me,Scotland played two combinations in quarters one (1) and three( 3). Arguably it was a senior team from that country.However I think we lost the game when we failed to capitalise on the inter-changing Scotland did,coupled with the fact that in the final quarter we seemed to have lost leadership on court especially in our attacking third.
At the end of the game we had used three shooters with Lester Vaughanian TRY showing glimpses of her budding ability. RY finished the game with 9/13.
Statistics :
SB-5/11
TRY - 9/13
Damisha Croney - 15/23
Well done Damisha!
Former FOUNDATION standout Damisha Croney with her gazelle like movements and fantastic footwork almost won the opening game of Netfest 2009 for the Barbados U-21 squad against Scotland. Aggressive on the center pass and accurate on the shot, Croney ( as most people call her) outscored all the other shooters used by the coach of the U-21 squad and ended the game with a remarkable 15/23. BUILT ON A FIRM FOUNDATION !!
A fellow blogger opined that SB may not be ready for international duty and while that MAY be the opinion of others that night,I'll say this. What happened is another example of umpires here in our domestic competition NOT allowing defenders to play or challenge certain players such as SB.
I think SB was unsettled because of being close-marked by not one but both defenders and that threw her off completely. She wasn't given the opportunity to release the ball as quickly as she usually does and that might've caused her added inner turmoil. She had an average of under 50% scoring 5/11.
I don't think that she understands at this point in time that she can use not only her God given talent but her size as well to her advantage in the shooting circle. SB, you need to watch Lydia"Lebron" more.
If my eyes were not deceiving me,Scotland played two combinations in quarters one (1) and three( 3). Arguably it was a senior team from that country.However I think we lost the game when we failed to capitalise on the inter-changing Scotland did,coupled with the fact that in the final quarter we seemed to have lost leadership on court especially in our attacking third.
At the end of the game we had used three shooters with Lester Vaughanian TRY showing glimpses of her budding ability. RY finished the game with 9/13.
Statistics :
SB-5/11
TRY - 9/13
Damisha Croney - 15/23
Well done Damisha!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Crisis diverted
When the BANU was formed several years ago, the mandate at that time was to work in cohesion with the governing body of the sport of netball in Barbados.At that time we were known to have had the most umpires in the region with people who had an interest keen to lend their assistance via umpiring. Fixtures were printed and umpires were allocated to games based on the division and the umpires' level,i.e - Beginners,Intermediate, Advanced.
Several years later( 2009) it seems as though not only was a mistake made but BANU appears to be the decision makers of the sport. Most playing nights recently teams leave the Netball Stadium dejected because of games not being played due to the lack of umpires. Who takes the blame for either not calling or the non- scheduling of umpires?
I was fortunate/unfortunate to overhear a coach of a team on Wednesday ( 10-06-09) berating the Chairperson of the 2009 League Committee because a game involving her team could not be played because of an unavailability of umpires. While I don't think the coach spoke to the right person, at least the travesty had been openly addressed.
My question now is this. "Was the upcoming meeting ( 23-06-09) hastily called because of the outburst or was it done because it HAD to be done to save a relatively successful season?"
You decide !!
Several years later( 2009) it seems as though not only was a mistake made but BANU appears to be the decision makers of the sport. Most playing nights recently teams leave the Netball Stadium dejected because of games not being played due to the lack of umpires. Who takes the blame for either not calling or the non- scheduling of umpires?
I was fortunate/unfortunate to overhear a coach of a team on Wednesday ( 10-06-09) berating the Chairperson of the 2009 League Committee because a game involving her team could not be played because of an unavailability of umpires. While I don't think the coach spoke to the right person, at least the travesty had been openly addressed.
My question now is this. "Was the upcoming meeting ( 23-06-09) hastily called because of the outburst or was it done because it HAD to be done to save a relatively successful season?"
You decide !!
Kudos
It is almost impossible to come into the Netball Stadium on any playing evening and not hear a bundle of garbage being spewed out of the mouths of some people.
If that opening doesn't make any sense, I am sure because you readers are curious you will continue reading just to figure out what I mean. As you know I am not going to disappoint.
Most spectators and netball players are of the belief that the Spooners Hill Netball Club is "running" netball this year. Is something wrong with that? Should it only be placed in the hands of the earth movers and the milk producers?
It doesn't take an Einstein or a rocket scientist to calculate that I support the overall effort of the 2009 League Committee and it's Chairperson. That the majority of said Committee is from SHNC makes it easier to understand why when a* crisis appears on the horizon,it's quickly diverted.
Kudos to all concerned.
*Read part 2 of this post,re: Crisis diverted.
If that opening doesn't make any sense, I am sure because you readers are curious you will continue reading just to figure out what I mean. As you know I am not going to disappoint.
Most spectators and netball players are of the belief that the Spooners Hill Netball Club is "running" netball this year. Is something wrong with that? Should it only be placed in the hands of the earth movers and the milk producers?
It doesn't take an Einstein or a rocket scientist to calculate that I support the overall effort of the 2009 League Committee and it's Chairperson. That the majority of said Committee is from SHNC makes it easier to understand why when a* crisis appears on the horizon,it's quickly diverted.
Kudos to all concerned.
*Read part 2 of this post,re: Crisis diverted.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Who benefits most?
With the start of the international netball series between Scotland,SVG and Barbados a mere few days away, one question that needs to be asked is this.WHO BENEFITS MOST ?
Globally we are ranked 12th with 85 points,followed by Scotland (13th) on 79 points and SVG ( 15th) on 72 points. Regionally we have a number 3 ranking behind Jamaica ( #1) and Trinidad and Tobago ( #2) with SVG again behind us.
Barbados was fortunate to hold on for a drawn game at the 2006 World qualifiers in Barbados against SVG and defeated them at the 2007 AFNA Championships.At the 2007 World Championships in New Zealand, we were victorious against Scotland 51-45 in the game for position 13th/14th.
Alarmingly we find ourselves in a MUST-WIN situation against both teams again. If we lose against SVG, are we going to drop in rankings regionally? If we lose against Scotland, will we drop in rankings globally? I am sure that this question is reverberating through the minds of the Barbados management team.
However not only do we risk losing both rankings if we lose to our guests, but we also risk our chance at qualifying for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and therefore competing at next month's CANOC Games would be a mere formality.
Now you tell me,WHO BENEFITS MOST ?
Globally we are ranked 12th with 85 points,followed by Scotland (13th) on 79 points and SVG ( 15th) on 72 points. Regionally we have a number 3 ranking behind Jamaica ( #1) and Trinidad and Tobago ( #2) with SVG again behind us.
Barbados was fortunate to hold on for a drawn game at the 2006 World qualifiers in Barbados against SVG and defeated them at the 2007 AFNA Championships.At the 2007 World Championships in New Zealand, we were victorious against Scotland 51-45 in the game for position 13th/14th.
Alarmingly we find ourselves in a MUST-WIN situation against both teams again. If we lose against SVG, are we going to drop in rankings regionally? If we lose against Scotland, will we drop in rankings globally? I am sure that this question is reverberating through the minds of the Barbados management team.
However not only do we risk losing both rankings if we lose to our guests, but we also risk our chance at qualifying for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and therefore competing at next month's CANOC Games would be a mere formality.
Now you tell me,WHO BENEFITS MOST ?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
From SA to obscurity
I find it absolutely amazing that in a senior squad named today in the Barbados Advocate ( 07-06-09),there are two names missing in a sixteen player squad.
Last year two U-21 finalists SS and SB were given the opportunity to represent Barbados in the SPAR series in South Africa. Now less than one year later these two players who are still technically senior players CANNOT make what to me is a questionable squad.
Then there is another SB who will struggle to play the kind of game suitable to her style, an old stager who has given impressive service when needed but shouldn't be included and yet another who doesn't seem interested anymore.
My personal gripe however is with the two clearly talented youth members who have been shockingly overlooked. Was that done because of better players being available or simply to make room for the scholarship winners??
We will never get it right until we do what is right!!
Last year two U-21 finalists SS and SB were given the opportunity to represent Barbados in the SPAR series in South Africa. Now less than one year later these two players who are still technically senior players CANNOT make what to me is a questionable squad.
Then there is another SB who will struggle to play the kind of game suitable to her style, an old stager who has given impressive service when needed but shouldn't be included and yet another who doesn't seem interested anymore.
My personal gripe however is with the two clearly talented youth members who have been shockingly overlooked. Was that done because of better players being available or simply to make room for the scholarship winners??
We will never get it right until we do what is right!!
My 10
From the fifteen players named recently by the Barbados Netball Association,here's the ten I personally think will make the U-21 team to the WYNC in Cook Islands. I have not chosen twelve because I think that from the remaining five it's anyone's guess.
Shanise Banfield
Shakera Boxill
Jahleesal Brathwaite
Samantha Browne
Kamillah Burke
Makeba Clarke
Janiece Clarke
Tanisha Rock-Yaw
Shakera Springer
Faye Sealy
Here's my challenge to you readers.Name your twelve and compare.
Shanise Banfield
Shakera Boxill
Jahleesal Brathwaite
Samantha Browne
Kamillah Burke
Makeba Clarke
Janiece Clarke
Tanisha Rock-Yaw
Shakera Springer
Faye Sealy
Here's my challenge to you readers.Name your twelve and compare.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Wicked? Ugly?
Hey,isn't it amazing when you are caught off guard and you are so speechless,words evade you?
Over the last few weeks,there's been a glut of articles written that have been both funny and serious all at the same time.This article is simply strange.
Imagine my surprise when my poor friend told me she was 'highjacked' outside the Netball Stadium on Wednesday(03-06-09).
" U LuLu( not her real name),U LuLu"
My friend is rooted in disbelief.
" I mean u. If u got any ting( aint that a drink?) ta tell me,doan send it by na chile,do it yaself"
My friend is still stunned at this sudden outburst.
"But ya know wha I gotta tell u?"
Now my friend has FINALLY moved.
" Ya WICKED and ya UGLY!"
At those words, poor LuLu didn't know what to do as her accuser had already walked away searching for the secret formula. What did poor LuLu do? WAVE THE TICKET TO COOK ISLANDS and SMILE !! ( NOT TRUE)
This is another case where SOME THINGS ARE BETTER LEFT UNSAID.
Over the last few weeks,there's been a glut of articles written that have been both funny and serious all at the same time.This article is simply strange.
Imagine my surprise when my poor friend told me she was 'highjacked' outside the Netball Stadium on Wednesday(03-06-09).
" U LuLu( not her real name),U LuLu"
My friend is rooted in disbelief.
" I mean u. If u got any ting( aint that a drink?) ta tell me,doan send it by na chile,do it yaself"
My friend is still stunned at this sudden outburst.
"But ya know wha I gotta tell u?"
Now my friend has FINALLY moved.
" Ya WICKED and ya UGLY!"
At those words, poor LuLu didn't know what to do as her accuser had already walked away searching for the secret formula. What did poor LuLu do? WAVE THE TICKET TO COOK ISLANDS and SMILE !! ( NOT TRUE)
This is another case where SOME THINGS ARE BETTER LEFT UNSAID.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Make sense from nonsense
Isnt it rather strange that with less than three weeks to go we still have a SQUAD and not a senior national TEAM? As far as I know the overseas based athletes on ATHLETIC scholarships who didn't qualify for their respective nationals, i.e - NAIA,NCAA ,etc are already home. Why not the two who the BNA seems to be waiting for?
If memory served me correctly even though I WASN'T at the midseason meeting, it's been said that these two players at US colleges are AUTOMATICS?? for the national team? Interesting!!
That being the case, why is the BNA finding it so difficult to announce the final twelve for the upcoming series against Scotland and possibly SVG? Is this because there may be a public outcry at the decision?
Sometimes it is better to keep your mouth shut than open it and prove to others that it's all about controversy!
If memory served me correctly even though I WASN'T at the midseason meeting, it's been said that these two players at US colleges are AUTOMATICS?? for the national team? Interesting!!
That being the case, why is the BNA finding it so difficult to announce the final twelve for the upcoming series against Scotland and possibly SVG? Is this because there may be a public outcry at the decision?
Sometimes it is better to keep your mouth shut than open it and prove to others that it's all about controversy!